Home Away From Home - 34. Chapter 34

The airport wasn’t far from the base. I parked the bus, that's what we called it, and walked to the arrivals. “Carlos, look that's their plane landing. Would you like to fly in an airplane?”

He was nodding his head as he kept his eyes on the plane. When it landed and pulled up at the gate, he watched as the staircase was rolled to the door and then the door open. The first one out was the stewardess, she waited at the bottom of he stairs, as Rita came down carrying Anthony. “That's your Grandmother.”

“She’s pretty.”

I expected to see Tony next but I was surprised, it was my mom. “That's your Nonna and there's your Nonno and Grandfather.”

As soon as they reached to waiting room, I was hugged by two woman, and a doggie lick as well. I shook dads' hands and ended up in a hug. I noticed Carlos hanging by Larry, “Carlos come here. Carlos, this is your Grandmother and Nonna.” They reached down and hugged him. I had Anthony, “And this is your Grandfather and Nonno.” Again hugs all around.

“I think they like me.”

“I think so too. Here, you take Anthony, I think he needs to go to the bathroom.” He took the leash I snapped to his collar and walked to the entrance with Larry right beside him.

“He's not what I expected, he's adorable.”

“Please don’t spoil him to much, we have to live with him after you go home.” I gave my mom and dad an extra hug. “This is a surprise. Tony didn’t tell me you were coming.”

“We wanted to surprise you.”

“Well, you did. Tony your luggage?”

“I was going to have it delivered. I thought you might have come in a taxi.”

“No, I have the bus, there's plenty of room inside and on top. Let’s get them, then we can load the bus while the grand-moms spoil my son.”

I asked Larry to see that they got on the bus and to stay there while David, Dad and I went and got their luggage. Of course, my dad joined us as well. It didn’t take long, but a taxi would never be able to handle it. Once all of the luggage was packed, I asked Larry to drive as I wanted to chat. It didn’t take us long to get home. I watched Mom and Dad’s face as we drove up. They're going to be amazed. David, Larry and Vic came down to unload the bus. I separated the luggage and told them which room they were to go. The guys really pitched in. “Let’s have something to drink and then I’ll show you around.” I led the group to the kitchen, Dan had coffee and tea. There were also some snacks that Roy made.

Tony and Rita knew Roy and Joe. I introduced Dan, Larry and David to my folks and then when Vic came in, to all except Tony, who knew him. “Where is Mario?”

“Shopping.”

I could tell dad was anxious to talk. “Carlos, why don’t you show Grandmother and Nonna their rooms and yours. You can take Anthony with you.” He took them by the hand and headed for the bedrooms. Anthony was right on their heels. I was thinking, we're going to lose him to a little boy. “Dad’s let me show you around outside. We made a few changes.”

As we left the back door through the kitchen, Dad saw the pool. He looked at me, “I expected to see a pool but this goes way beyond a pool. Whose idea was it to include a fish tank.”

“That' s what happens when you put a marine biologist on staff. It’s great isn’t it.”

“What's the cabana for?”

“I use it to give massages. It's better than me dragging a table from room to room.”

“How are you going to handle that with the ladies.”

“Just like I did at the resort. Very discreetly.”

‘Sit and unload your mind.”

“You know Mario has submitted his resignation.”

“Yes and I support it. He's very good at what he does, but marine biology is his cup of tea. He has done some amazing stuff here, he's starting to get recognize.”

“We may have to replace him, at least for a little while.”

“I leave that up to you. You know us, so I have no problem”

“The guy I have in mind is stationed at the base. His enlistment is up and is a trained sniper like Vic. Also like Vic, he's straight.”

“That isn’t a problem. We have had no problems with any of them. They all have adopted Carlos as their nephew.”

“Speaking of Carlos, he isn’t what I expected. He’s a good looking lad, definitely not underfed and speaks very well for a waif.”

“He’s being tutored by Greg Thornton’s son and will start regular school this coming semester. Doug has tested him and said he'll fit in at his grade level.”

“And what about Doug?”

“His dad agrees and I offered him a scholarship at your school. Roy and Jay will lookout for him until he get’s comfortable.”

“That leaves Dan. What are your feelings there?”

“Dan has fitted in very well. He’s lonely, as one would suspect. I think he'd be content to stay here if he had someone in his life. He was hurt very badly with the last supposedly boyfriend.”

“Well, I’ve hired you an assistant. He'll handle some of the work you do here. Do you think Ants would like to finish his internship here?”

“He enjoys being here very much. He is respected by everyone and the indirect reports I have gotten, says they love him. But you really need to ask him.”

“How do you feel about it, staying here?”

“I’m with Puppy. I’ll go anywhere he goes, even if I have to wash dishes in a greasy spoon. This decision will be his and I’ll abide by what ever he decides.”

‘That's what I thought. You'll have to do some traveling. I’ll have a plane and crew stationed here to fly you wherever you have to go. I’ll probably need you in New Zealand in a couple of weeks. I have the file with me.”

“I need Puppy’s input but considering his schedule, he won’t have problem. He needs to know and needs to feel he has an input.”

“What time will he be here tonight.”

“Probably 6 unless there's an emergency.”

I knew dad had something else on his mind. “Let me show you the house. You have seen the kitchen and pool.” Walking into the dining room, “This is a large room which can seat 20 without any problem.This next room is a living room and is actually half of the total downstairs . I was thinking about carving out an office for Puppy and myself. With an assistant coming, I think that's actually what I’ll do. There are two floors of bedrooms and each bedroom has an ensuite, there are five rooms to a floor.” Moving to the second floor. “On this floor, Larry and David have their room, Vic has his room and Mario has his room. For now we have given you and Rita a room here as yours, Dad. The third floor, has Carlos’s room, Dan’s room and Joe and Roy’s as well, and our room. On the second floor, the bedrooms have balconies, but the third floor has a Captain’s Walk. I want to get a scope so I can look out at the ocean. Come.”

“Frank, do you want to unpack or should I?”

“You can do it, thanks. She packed it so she can unpacked it.”

“Naughty Dad, Look at the view from here, an old fashion spy glass anchored here would be fantastic. Dad, don’t ever sell this place. We love it.”

“I can’t sell it. It’s a wedding gift to you and Ants.”

“Really!” I never kissed Tony before but I did now. “This will make Puppy so happy, he loves it here.”

“Do you know your neighbors?”

“We have met some town people and some of the families on the base. Everyone knows the new Doc. They probably couldn’t tell who the president of the US is, but they can tell you about Doc, where he lives and who he lives with and Carlos. A couple week back, Doug came to the door, there was an accident and would he come. He grabbed his bag, took security and headed out. According to Doug, Military Doctors would not attend civilians unless brought to the hospital. Now when we go to town, it’s hi Doc or hello Doc. He even gets free tea at the cafe. I have to pay for mine. I love it when he smiles at them. If we are sitting down somewhere in town, he calls a kid over, asks their name and generally has a sweet on him. But I’m wise to him, he really is given them a look over, medically. Don’t be surprised if he hangs his shingle here.”

“Then he’ll agree to my decision to have you both stay here.”

“Don’t be surprised if he kisses you.”

“Tony, where are you.” I slid the door open, “Out here.”

“Oh, what a beautiful view isn’t it Maria.”

“You have a beautiful home Carlo. I can feel the love in it.”

“Oh there's plenty of love here. Three married couples, a young lad who is the apple of Puppy’s and my eye. Our other guests are just as happy. No, anyone who comes in is happy or they leave that way. We have had only two disappointments. We decided to hire a cook to work 5 days, off on week ends. Made an offer and she was to show up on Monday. She showed up on Wednesday and said it was too much work. So we decided we would take turns cooking. Tonight is Mario’s turn. Then we thought maybe we should get a house cleaner to do laundry and clean the house. Again when the woman came she said it was too much work. Dan volunteered for that job so he get’s out of cooking. I guess these people aren’t as poor as I thought.”

“You're better off doing that your way.” We heard the door open.

“That's either Puppy or Doug.”

“Doug Thronton?”

“Yes, the son, he comes and goes pretty much as he wants. If he isn’t tutoring Carlos, he’s here for dinner. He knows what's on the menu when Mario is cooking.”

“What is on the menu?”

“Our normal fare, you’ll like it. Mario likes to grill. Ah, the second time the door is open this must be Puppy. The first time we didn’t hear anything, listen now.” We heard, Carlo where are you? “that’s my Puppy.”

“Are you going to tell him where you are?”

“He knows, listen.”

Soon we heard steps coming up to the second floor and then the third floor. He opened the door, there was my Puppy in his scrubs. “I hurried home. I need a shower and change clothes.”

“Why Doctor surely you could give a little mouth to mouth resuscitation.”

He kissed my cheek, kissed Rita on the cheek, kissed my mom on the cheek, hugged his dad and my dad. Gave me another kiss on the cheek.

“He knew you were coming?”

“Yep, it was his idea. He wanted to surprise you.”

“Where’s Dad, Pop?”

“He”s getting a shower, he’ll be out soon and give you a hug. Where’s Anthony?”

“Doug is playing with him.”

Just then we heard, “Hey little man.” Carlos ran and jumped into his arms. What do you think about all of your grandparents? Aren’t they cool?”

“They like me. I got a lot of hugs and kisses even from Anthony, only his where sloppy wet.”

“Yea they are, aren't they. I think he’s telling you he likes you. Now you have to take care of him but I’ll help, ok.”

A kiss on the cheek and he was gone. “Supper must be close, we can go down as soon as I get a shirt.” I thought, I don’t want that body covered.

We went to the dining room and Dan was setting the table. I’m not sure I’ve introduced everyone but this is Dan. I’ll introduced Mario when he's finished grilling. I knew Tony knew him but my parents didn’t. With the table set Dan brought in a large salad of mixed greens, a fruit bowl of mixed fruit and in front of each plate he set a small dish of melted butter and a 1/2 of a lemon.”

“Carlo, really?”

“This is what you said you wanted.”

Of course, all we had were the tails, the other parts were put back into the fridge per my instruction. My mom will give Puppy another cooking lesson. These lobsters were not Maine lobster, so they didn’t have the big claws. The small pinchers would be smashed and a soup will be made heavily flavored by the lobster. I was ready right then to do it. It's truly a delicious soup. After dinner, along with our tea and coffee, we had lemon sherbet which left our mouth feeling cleansed.

“Doug, does your mom know you eat over here or do you eat at both places?”

“Hey, how often do we get lobster fresh from the sea.”

“About twice a week, if we want.”

“Mom had chicken tonight and dad wanted to eat early. He had a meeting to attend. So I had a little chicken and scooted over here for lobster.”

“The next time your mom has chicken, scoot some over here.” I was kidding. I noticed my mom’s ears picking up. We are going to have chicken soon.

That night in bed, “What do you think about carving out two offices from the living room space. Dad is sending over an assistant and he wants me to do more traveling.”

“If you are getting an assistant, he'll need an office. Why don’t we make it three, one for you and I and one for the assistant. We'll need dad’s agreement. This is his house.”

“Well, that's something else I found out today. This house is ours, a wedding gift from your mom and dad.”

He got real quiet, I could hardly hear him breathe and his head was on my chest. He looked at me and there were tears in his eyes. “Please don’t cry. If you don’t want the house, I’ll tell your father and he can take it back.”

“I don’t want him to take it back. I love this place.”

“Then why the tears?”

“Tears of happiness. They asked me to stay to finish my internship, It seems Dr. Caldwell, head of administration likes my performance. He's a noted doctor in the field of cancer research. I could learn a lot from him.”

“So you don’t mind staying knowing I’ll be traveling and not home all the time?”

“I’m away from you now a good bit of the time working at the hospital. I need to let you have the freedom to grow into Dad’s shoes. He's going to leave the business to you. Haven’t you figure that out yet?”

“You’re kidding. You dad is still a young man, it'll be years before he steps down.”

“And it'll be years before you learn all of his secrets.”

“To think this all started out at a resort.”

“Yes and I think it's about time you take care of your mate.” I did. I took very good care of my mate. I fell asleep with happy thoughts.

We woke up with an oof. “Nonna said to get up, breakfast is ready.”

“Go down and tell Nonna we'll be there as soon as we shower. But they can go ahead and eat.”

“Stay and cuddle a little more.”

“What time do you start today.”

“I work a 12 hour shift starting at 4 pm. They need another intern to even out the load.”

“How many are there?”

“There are 6 of us in total but only 2 of us in our first year. The others have seniority and get the better shifts.”

I did stay a little longer cuddling him as he fell back to sleep. I was so lucky, a man I love, a job that I have begun to love and a far cry from my being a chemical engineer. I have devoted parents, who I have made proud. I have loving parents-in-law who I love. I have the crown jewel in my arms. I’m so lucky it scares me that something might happen that will spoil it all. Drifting off to sleep.

“Carlo, Anthony get up. We got to get out of here. Your dad got a call and said for us to scramble.”

I jumped out of bed, got dressed real quick. Helped Puppy, who was still sleepy, dressed him and headed downstairs. Larry had pulled the bus to the front. We all got into it and headed for the base. Vic took his gun and headed back toward the house with a radio. He was joined by three other sharp shooters. It wasn’t till Vic came back telling us it was all clear, we could go home.

When we got back to the house, everything looked normal. It took several cups of tea to settle our nerves, but settle we did. We have come through a lot worse. The four sharpshooters took a position on the Captains Walk.

About four hours later Dad came back. “Everything is ok, The threat is neutralized.” I looked at him, he tilted his head to indicate for me to follow. We went up to the third floor out on the Captain’s Walk, he pulled the four guys together. “The four men you shot were to circle the house and then pick us off as we left. They are operating out of South America. A team of US Rangers had been sent in to wipe them out. From the records at their headquarters, they found the orders for the four men that were sent here.The Rangers set up headquarters at their site and have been monitoring all transmissions. They now have the names of the people in the US, Germany and Russia who have been involved in the drug trade. They are being arrested as we speak. I think we can breathe a little easier. But Vic, you are still on duty. We need to get a radio set up here and in the house.”

I was relieved but also aware that we could never let our guards down. This is the third time we thought we had them all. I had a funny feeling, that would always be our life, constantly alert and always prepared. To that end, I began to learn how to shoot a gun.

Dad did keep his promise. My assistant arrived 2 weeks later, flew commercial, said he was glad to get here it was a long flight. I told him about the offices and that it would be about two more weeks before they would be finished. I needed to fly to New Zealand along with Larry and Vic. The new security stayed to familiarize himself with the premises and the guys. He was already familiar with the area since he came from the base.

Upon my return from New Zealand, there was a new Lear jet parked at the airport. It was what Dad had promised. The crew were young air force pilots and the steward would be Dan. The first voyage of the plane was to take Roy and Joe home, and yes I dubbed it Puppy I and had a picture of a puppy painted on the sides. I told them to let me know when they wanted to return and I’ll send the plane for them.